I spent many a summer season in Lake Placid throughout my childhood once I was a aggressive determine skater and it has all the time had a magical place in my coronary heart as The Olympic City. There are loads of issues to do in Lake Placid NY be it summer season or winter making for a beautiful weekend getaway.
Located in the center of the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, Lake Placid is the proper year-round mountain getaway – and these are the perfect issues to do in Lake Placid to take advantage of your keep.
Top Things to Do in Lake Placid NY
Recently Dave and I watched the documentary The Making of a Miracle on Ice in regards to the American hockey group that confronted off with Russia in the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid to win gold. This was such a tremendous second in American historical past and a visit to Lake Placid is a should for anybody road-tripping by Up State New York.
Lake was America’s first winter trip vacation spot and is understood for internet hosting two Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980. Besides being referred to as a winter resort, there are various issues to do in Lake Placid in the summer season too. Let’s try all the explanations you need to add Lake Placid to your locations to go to in America’s bucket record.
Lake Placid Attractions
Lake Placid is a village in New York State positioned in the Adirondack Mountains. It is positioned in what is known as the Tri-Lake Region which incorporates Lake Placid and two different lakes – Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.
Funny sufficient, the city of Lake Placid isn’t positioned on Lake Placid correct, its most important avenue is definitely on Mirror Lake. Lake Placid is 5 hours from New York City and Boston and it’s 2 1/2 hours from Montreal and 5 hours from Toronto, Canada. So, are you prepared to discover Lake Placid NY with us? Let’s go!
1. Live Out Your Olympic Dreams
Lake Placid was residence to not one, however two Winter Olympics, the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and it has preserved that historical past with the wonderful Lake Placid Olympic Museum and excursions of the Olympic amenities.
Dave and I’ve gone again to Lake Placid in latest years for each summer season and winter actions and I used to be reminded of that Olympic magic whereas strolling by city and exploring the Olympic Sites.
We love the Winter Olympics and one in all our favourite issues to do in Lake Placid is dwell out our Olympic desires by exploring the websites. There are loads of Olympic websites to discover in Lake Placid, so let’s test them out.
2. Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex
Until you’ve been to the highest of an Olympic ski soar, you’ll by no means actually respect how terrifying it’s. I can’t fathom standing on two tiny items of wooden solely to slide down a near-vertical ramp that flings me off the top into the air. Lake Placid’s Ski jumps are nonetheless used for coaching, however even non-jumpers can get a bit style of what it’s like to expertise the necessity for velocity on the Olympic Jumping Complex.
Try your hand at zip-lining proper beside the 90-meter soar that emulates the sensation of ski leaping at quickens to 30 miles per hour. Check out the Olympic Sky Flyer Jumper Zipline for particulars.
3. Olympic Skyride
If you aren’t fairly up for the heart-racing journey, you possibly can nonetheless discover the Olympic Ski Jumps by taking the gondola up to the glass elevator 120-meter excessive ski leaping tower the place you’ll journey a glass elevator up to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains.
It is a beautiful scene. (in case you aren’t a skier or snowboarder chances are high you don’t journey gondolas loads, so it is a enjoyable factor to do.) See the Olympic Jumping web site for particulars.
4. Stroll the Alpine Village
Lake Placid appears like a bit Swiss Village with ski chalets, outlets, and picturesque surroundings. Located on Mirror Lake, Lake Placid lives up to its identify with its placid waters reflecting the encompassing Adirondack Mountains, bushes, and swiss-style chalets.
Make certain you will have a drink on the Big Slide Brewery (Home of the Giant IPA) to take pleasure in an area brew on the terrace with views of the Olympic Ski Jump. There are many native craft beers to style, and one other advice is a go to Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for a tasting flight or a pint of their domestically brewed beer
Many Olympic websites are positioned in downtown Lake Placid together with the Olympic Center, and the velocity skating oval. The Lake Placid Historical Society is a superb place to pop in to be taught in regards to the wealthy historical past of the world, from its Olympic heritage to its Adirondack roots.
At evening, head over to The Palace Theatre and catch a film at this classic cinema proper on Main Street.
5. Olympic Center
The Olympic Center and Museum is among the finest issues to do in Lake Placid for sports activities lovers. Make certain to go contained in the Olympic Center and witness the arenas the place historical past was made. The rinks and museum are positioned proper in the middle of downtown Lake Placid. The museum showcases memorabilia from the previous Olympics together with highlights from Miracle on Ice.
6. Herb Brooks Arena
I’ve had the privilege of skating on the entire historic arenas on the historic Olympic Center in Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Arena is probably the most well-known and was constructed for the 1980 Olympics. It’s historic as a result of it was on this ice that The US Team took gold in the 1980 Olympics. They turned referred to as Miracle on Ice. The arenas are presently closed for renovations, however you possibly can nonetheless tour the museum.
7. Paddle On Mirror Lake
I’ll always remember seeing Mirror Lake for the primary time, its nonetheless waters replicate the encompassing surroundings. Mirror Lake is positioned in the center of Lake Placid Village however feels a world away. Mirror Lake is adjoining to the bigger Lake Placid and is understood for its serene ambiance and gorgeous views.
This is an exquisite lake to discover by paddle boats, kayaks, or canoes or just taking a leisurely hike round its shore. (no motorized automobiles are allowed on the water). It was our favourite factor to do in Lake Placid. To sit on the nonetheless waters taking in the views is a serene expertise the place you’ll really feel at one with nature.
In the winter it comes alive with skaters and you may even take dogsled rides. Plus, one of many coolest issues to do in Lake Placid in winter is to slide down the Toboggan Chute that empties onto the frozen lake.
Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
We extremely counsel staying on the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa positioned straight on Mirror Lake. Spend a day on the spa adopted by a stroll round Mirror Lake effective eating at evening at The View Restaurant. All rooms have a personal balcony with mountain and lake views.
8. Hike The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
One of the preferred issues to do in Lake Placid is to head out to the Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. It’s a set of 4 trails which might be widespread for mountain climbing and mountain biking in the summer season and cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter.
The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails are only a brief drive from downtown, this stunning spot affords straightforward strolling trails excellent for chook watching and appreciating nature. Located on the Brewster Peninsula on the japanese shore of Mirror Lake, it is a great spot to discover the pure great thing about the world whereas having fun with out of doors actions corresponding to mountain climbing, strolling, and birdwatching.
The path system on the Peninsula encompasses a community of paths that wind by the wooded space, offering guests with a peaceable and immersive expertise in nature. The trails are typically well-maintained and provide numerous loops of various lengths and problem ranges, accommodating each informal walkers and extra avid hikers.
The Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails
The Lake Shore Trail is a beautiful scenic stroll across the lake whereas the Ridge Trail takes you up to a scenic ridge.
The Boundary Trail is the longest and the Corridor Trail is a downhill stroll that takes you to the Lakeshore.
As you discover the Peninsula Nature Trails, you possibly can count on to encounter picturesque views of Mirror Lake, its surrounding mountains, and the luxurious forests of the Adirondacks. The trails take you thru a mixture of evergreen and deciduous bushes, offering alternatives to respect the area’s pure range.
9. Ski Whiteface Mountain
We have been snowboarding on Whiteface Mountain and let me inform you it’s all the time a thrill to comply with the footsteps of Olympians. This mountain was used in the 1934 and 1980 downhill snowboarding occasions.
At 1.483m (4,865ft) excessive, it has the best vertical drop east of the Rockies, that is the premier place to hit the slopes in the U.S. East Coast. Whiteface Mountain has 90 trails for all ranges of snowboarding spanning throughout 22 miles of terrain.
If you might be planning on hitting the slopes, you might have considered trying to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain. Check out this Apartment Stay simply two minutes from the mountain. Sleeps 8 and has a 6 particular person scorching tub!
Stay in Whiteface
Whiteface Mountain is positioned half-hour from Lake Placid. If you might be planning on doing a whole lot of out of doors adventures right here, you might have considered trying to keep nearer to Whiteface Mountain for an evening or two. Check out the Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort Website for Details.
Not visiting in winter? No downside. Whiteface Mountain doesn’t shut down as soon as the snow melts. Take the Gondola up to Little Whiteface Mountain and participate in the Adventure Zone. In the summer season months, it opens up providing disco golf, downhill mountain biking, and loads of mountain climbing. There is even a zipper line right here and like most ski hills around the globe.
10. Little Whiteface Mountain – Cloudsplitter Gondola
Not to be confused with Whiteface Mountain, Little Whiteface Mountain is its personal attraction in {the summertime}. In the winter, the Cloudsplitter Gondola is the way in which to stand up to the ski hills of Whiteface Mountain.
If you aren’t snowboarding, you possibly can merely benefit from the journey on the Cloudsplitter Gondola, which takes you from the bottom lodge to the summit of Little Whiteface. From there, you possibly can take in the gorgeous views of the encompassing Adirondack Mountains and Lake Placid and on a transparent day you possibly can see so far as Vermont and Canada!
In {the summertime}, there are mountain climbing trails and downhill mountain biking. The Cloudsplitter Gondola up Little Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of its massive sister, Whiteface Mountain, and the Adirondacks in {the summertime} and to take pleasure in some mountain climbing.
11. Take a Drive up Veterans’ Memorial Parkway
Chances are you’ll be on a highway journey when visiting Lake Placid, so be sure that to take a scenic drive up the Veteran’s Memorial Parkway beginning in Wilmington at Adirondacks Spruce Lodge.
This paved highway winds its method all the way in which alongside Highway 431 up to the summit.
The scenic 7.96 mi (12.81 km) lengthy drive is a should when visiting Lake Placid. It’s a steep 8% grade which is spectacular contemplating it was constructed in 1932. This isn’t a free drive-through, in your method up, you’ll have to pay a toll at an alpine-style gatehouse constructed in 1934. But the drive is value it should pull-offs and scenic views. Cost: $20 per automobile plus $20 per passenger. (Kids 6 and below are free)
Once you attain the car parking zone, you will have a couple of decisions of issues to do like have a chew on the Castle Cafe, you possibly can journey the elevator up 27 tales, or hike the gorgeous stunning path to the summit. It’s only a brief 15-minute hike (.2 miles) to the summit however it’s value it for the view. Plus, you get to see attractive views of Lake Placid.
12. Visit High Falls Gorge
One of probably the most stunning locations to go to in Lake Placid is High Falls Gorge. Take a stroll alongside the mountain climbing trails, glass ground walkways, and bridges by this 22-acre nature park to see its stunning waterfalls alongside the Ausable River.
There are 4 falls cascading down the mountain, the Main Falls, Mini Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Climax Falls which you’ll be able to hike out to. It’s only a half-mile round-trip stroll (that’s accessible) and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour. (it may be executed shorter, however Dave and I really like to take pictures.
Spend a day right here mountain climbing to its spectacular waterfalls like Main Falls with a cascade of 60 ft. There is Climax Falls and Mini Falls as properly. To guarantee the perfect views, there are metal bridges with glass flooring positioned at key factors. This permits guests to get a incredible view of the waterfalls and the gorge beneath.
You can go to in the winter in addition to High Falls Gorge transforms right into a winter wonderland. Marvel at frozen waterfalls that freeze into stunning ice formations. Snowshoeing can be accessible on the character path. There’s a present store that sells native arts and crafts, a café serving snacks and heat drinks, and picnic areas for many who’d like to take pleasure in a meal in the nice outside.
Since it’s privately run, there’s an admission price to entry High Falls Gorge
13. Adirondack Experience
Lake Placid is in the center of the Adirondack Mountains and has capitalized on that location. ADKX is an exercise middle devoted to the outside. With 120 acres sprawling alongside Blue Mountain Lake, there are many issues to do for out of doors lovers.
Take a hike out to the Whiteface Mountain hearth tower, lease a canoe to discover the shore, or go on a guided nature stroll. There are artists in residence and many actions. This is a superb weekend escape for the entire household.
14. Olympic Bobsleigh Experience
If there’s a technique to actually really feel like an olympian it’s to get on the Olympic Bobsleigh observe. The Lake Placid Olympic Bobsleigh expertise at Mt. Van Hoevenberg permits you to cruise down the Olympic observe with knowledgeable driver.
The sliding middle observe was up to date in 1999 from the unique however I see that it’s present process reconstruction once more, so I’d test to see if excursions are open. You can go to the Website right here.
15. Cliffside Coaster
If the bobsled appears like a bit an excessive amount of (or whether it is closed), an excellent possibility is to hop on the Cliffside Coaster as a substitute. You have management over your personal velocity on this slide journey down the mountain alongside the 1980 bobsled observe. We’ve executed a couple of of those slide rides and they’re a blast for the entire household. Cool reality, it’s the longest mountain coaster in the United States. Check for particulars and availability on the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Voevenberg.
16. Go Cross Country Skiing
If cross-country snowboarding is extra of your factor, make your method to the Cascade Cross Country Center. With 14 miles of groomed trails, it has one thing for everybody. It additionally affords cross-country ski leases and what’s actually cool is that you would be able to strive your hand on the Olympic cross-country ski trails at Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Get extra particulars on the Cascade Ski Center.
17. John Brown Farm State Historic Site
For historical past buffs, a go to to the John Brown Farm State Historic Site is a should. He was part of the underground railroad and moved to the Adirondacks to set up a neighborhood the place slaves might dwell freely.
Unfortunately, he was captured and hanged in 1859. He was buried at his residence and it has now been become a museum that has been preserved in time displaying the private belongings of the Brown household. See extra on the New York State Park web site.
18. Mount Jo
Being located in the Adirondacks, one of many high issues to do in Lake Placid is to get outside to take pleasure in its many mountain climbing trails. Mount Jo is positioned simply exterior of Lake Placid and has some straightforward hikes to the two,876-foot excessive summit.
The trails are just one.1 miles and 1.3 miles lengthy however provide stunning views of the excessive peaks of the Adirondacks they usually overlook Heart Lake.
Where to Stay in Lake Placid
Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid – We stayed on the Hampton Inn and Suites in Lake Placid positioned on Mirror Lake. It is only a brief stroll to the primary avenue and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum.
High Peaks Resort – Located on Mirror Lake and inside strolling distance to the primary avenue points of interest, this is a superb mountain retreat in Lake Placid.
Where to Eat in Lake Placid
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery: A go-to for craft beer lovers, providing a variety of beers brewed on-site and a scrumptious meals menu to accompany them.
Artisans on the Lake Placid Lodge: Upscale eating with gorgeous lake views, providing a menu impressed by native and seasonal elements.
The View Restaurant on the Mirror Lake Inn: As the identify suggests, this place is understood for each its high-quality meals and its incredible views of Mirror Lake.
Lisa G’s: A neighborhood favourite for wings, burgers, and different traditional American consolation meals.
Top of the Park: This tapas and wine bar is understood for its nice number of small plates and its gorgeous rooftop views.
Smoke Signals: If you’re in the temper for hearty BBQ and luxury meals, this restaurant must be in your record.
How to Get to Lake Placid
Lake Placid is positioned in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. However, your actual route will rely upon the place you’re coming from. Here are a couple of basic instructions:
From New York City: Lake Placid is a few 5-hour drive north from New York City. You can take the I-87 N (Northway) in the direction of Albany and proceed on I-87 N to Exit 30. From there, take Route 73 in the direction of Lake Placid.
From Boston: If you’re driving from Boston, you possibly can take I-90 W. Continue on I-90 W to Schroon. Take exit 30 from I-87 N. Follow U.S. 9 N and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.
From Montreal: If you’re driving from Montreal, you possibly can take Autoroute 15 S. Continue onto I-87 S (indicators for Albany) coming into the United States (New York). Take exit 34 for U.S. 9 towards Keeseville/Au Sable Chasm/Port Kent. Follow U.S. 9 S and NY-73 W to Lake Placid.
By Plane: The closest airports to Lake Placid are Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont, and Albany International Airport (ALB). From there, you possibly can lease a automotive or take a shuttle to Lake Placid.
By Train: Amtrak affords service from NYC’s Penn Station to Westport, NY, on the Adirondack Line. Upon arrival in Westport, shuttle service will be organized to Lake Placid.
About Lake Placid
Lake Placid is an enthralling village positioned in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Known for its stunning landscapes and wealthy historical past, listed here are some key information about Lake Placid:
Winter Olympics: Lake Placid is notably one in all solely three locations in the world which have hosted the Winter Olympics twice, first in 1932 after which once more in 1980. Miracle on Ice: The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid is most well-known for the “Miracle on Ice” the place the U.S. hockey group defeated the closely favored Soviet Union group in the course of the Cold War period. Ironman Triathlon: Lake Placid is residence to an annual Ironman Triathlon, which is a serious occasion drawing rivals and spectators from around the globe. High Peaks Region: Lake Placid is located in the High Peaks area of the Adirondack Mountains, with 46 peaks over 4,000 ft, making it a well-liked vacation spot for mountain climbing, climbing, and tenting. Whiteface Mountain: Nearby Whiteface Mountain is the fifth highest mountain in New York, and its ski space has the best vertical drop in the japanese United States. Water Bodies: The village of Lake Placid is positioned close to two main our bodies of water, Mirror Lake and Lake Placid, offering loads of alternatives for water sports activities, fishing, and scenic enjoyment. Population: As of the final census knowledge earlier than my coaching cut-off in 2021, the inhabitants of Lake Placid was round 2,500 residents, however it could possibly swell with guests throughout peak vacationer seasons. Wildlife: The area round Lake Placid is wealthy in wildlife, with potentialities to spot animals like black bears, deer, bobcats, and all kinds of birds. John Brown Farm State Historic Site: This is the house and gravesite of abolitionist John Brown. The web site is now a New York State Historic Site. Seasonal Activities: Lake Placid affords a variety of out of doors actions year-round, from snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter, to mountain climbing, biking, and water actions in the summer season.
Mwanner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , by way of Wikimedia Commons
And now you will have the knowledge you want to take a highway journey to Lake Placid, NY Have you been to Olympic City? What are your favourite issues to do in Lake Placid?